The new coronavirus (COVID-19) has cost the lives of more than 391.000, while confirmed cases exceed 6.600.000. Although coronavirus started in China in early 2020, now it has spread over Europe where Italy and the UK have the most deaths. Also, Brazil, Canada, France and Spain top the list with the countries affected significantly.

Seafarers are at the forefront of the pandemic, having to deal with many challenges. Except crew change restrictions, the matter of seafarers being denied access to medical care at ports has been the centre of discussions lately.

The COVID-19 pandemic presents major challenges to seafarers and shipowners due to the lockdown of countries, travel restrictions, and problems accessing healthcare ashore when needed. One of the critical features in addressing the pandemic has been testing for the disease. Gard answers some of the questions.